Terry Gurno is a two-time Ironman finisher.

That was easy compared to what he has faced in recent years: Open-heart surgery. Multiple cancer diagnoses. Stage 4 colon cancer.

“What I was going through, I just needed strength," he said.

The former pastor found in it in his faith in God, which gave him hope. And that hope translated into the drive and determination to overcome life's challenges, to never surrender, to never give up.

It is what led him to launch a nonprofit, "Unyielding Hope," through which he wants to inspire, coach and mentor others trying to overcome their own obstacles.

“We just want to offer hope to people,” the Hayden man said. 

Gurno is inviting the public to learn about the nonprofit and its goals during "The Night of Hope" at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Prairie Falls Golf Club.

Organizers say they want to offer encouragement. Attendees will hear stories of resilience and learn about the mission, vision, and services Unyielding Hope can provide for those walking through difficult seasons.

“We just want people to know whatever you are going through, you’re not alone,” he said. 

The 65-year-old knows about adversity.

He grew up in an alcoholic and abusive home, wrestling with self-doubt and learning challenges that left him feeling inadequate.

A mentor helped him discover possibility where he once saw only limitation. 

He said his early experiences planted the seeds of his lifelong belief that hope is both powerful and necessary.

It helped him twice to push through the pain to complete an Ironman, which involved a 2.4-miles swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. 

Greater challenges, however, awaited.

He underwent quintuple bypass surgery in 2022 after developing a serious heart condition. Complications followed — blood clots, issues with his right lung, and repeated hospitalizations. There was the stage 4 colon cancer. More recently, he underwent a kidney procedure and has undergone chemotherapy.

That might lead some to despair and ask God, "Why me?" 

Not Terry Gurno.

He never lost hope and wants others to have that same hope.

Unyielding Hope provides coaching and mentoring, hope groups, workshops, and guest speaking. 

Gurno, the driving force, is no stranger to serving others. 

He spent nearly 25 years as a pastor, relying on his faith to carry him through personal trials. That same faith is at the core of Unyielding Hope, a nonprofit he describes as faith-based but open to anyone in need of support.

“A perfect fit and a life calling for him,” said Mike Rima.

Rima, former pastor of Lake City Church and today Northwest director of Convoy of Hope, has known Gurno for about 40 years. They worked together at New Life Community Church. 

Rima describes him as “one of the most positive individuals I’ve ever met,” someone whose outlook on life is “genuine and hope-filled.”

Rima considers Gurno a survivor.

“He really had to hang on to hope that things are going to get better,” Rima said. “And they did.”

Gurno believes that through Unyielding Hope, people from all walks of life facing any circumstance can find strength and encouragement. He believes hope isn’t wishful thinking but is “strength in action.” 

While there are fees for Unyielding Hope's services, if anyone can't afford to pay, they don't have to. Gurno said he doesn't want money to prevent someone from getting the help they need. 

"I just feel like hope should be free," he said.

Info: unyieldinghope.net